San Bernardino, Calif., August 11, 2010 – The San Bernardino, Cleveland, Angeles and Los Padres national forests announced today that August 14 and 15 is a “Back to School” fee-free weekend. A National Forest Adventure Pass will not be required for visitors recreating in areas of the national forests that typically require one.

“The Back to School weekend is a great way to connect communities with public lands all over the country,” said San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans. “This is a great opportunity to get outdoors and appreciate the open spaces here in Southern California.”

Fee-free days are offered in cooperation with other federal agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Upcoming fee-free days include National Public Lands Day on September 25 and Veterans’ Day on November 11. Other fees, such as those in campgrounds, reservation, and group sites, are still required. Visitors who accidentally use their daily Adventure Pass on a fee-free day may have it replaced free-of-charge. For additional information about fee-free days and the recreation fee program on southern California national forests, visit the Adventure Pass website at: www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/

The fee-free days support the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Conference and First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative by actively supporting and promoting programs, projects, and initiatives that encourage the use of the outdoors by the American public. The fee-free days allow people to explore our nation’s forests, which offer a wide range of recreation and educational benefits, such as improved physical and mental health, emotional well being, a concern for nature, and a conservation ethic.

Visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and to contact your local Ranger Station for more information on current conditions.